W
HAT
THE
J
OBS
A
RE
33
Promotion Opportunities
Employees hired as BATF Agents usually enter duty at the GS-5 level (the General Schedule--or GS--
is a pay schedule for federal employees). Promotions are contingent upon satisfactory work performance
at each level and require the recommendations of supervisory personnel. As Agents demonstrate their
capabilities, they are given progressively more responsible assignments and promotions commensurate
with those responsibilities.
The journeyman level for a Special Agent is GS-11. Selections for promotion to positions above the
GS-11 level are made as vacancies occur and in accordance with the Bureau's merit promotion procedures.
The minimum waiting period in each grade is one year. Periodic within-grade "step increases" are
provided for Agents who remain at the same grade level. It is the policy of this agency to advance and
develop employee potential within reasonable periods of time. Prospects for upward mobility are
favorable, and Agents who demonstrate the capability to assume more difficult and responsible
assignments are recommended for promotion by supervisory personnel.
DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION SPECIAL AGENT
Duties of the Job
The illegal manufacturing and distribution of drugs is a worldwide problem that can only be resolved
through the international efforts of all countries. The primary mission of the U.S. Department of Justice
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is to enforce the drug laws and regulations of the United States
of America. The DEA is charged with bringing to justice organizations, and principal members of
organizations, involved in the illegal growing, manufacture, or distribution of drugs in the United States.
The DEA also recommends and supports nonenforcement programs aimed at reducing the availability
of illegal drugs on the domestic and international market.
The DEA's primary responsibilities include investigation and preparation for prosecution of major
violators of the drug laws of the United States; regulation and enforcement of the laws governing the legal
manufacture and distribution of drugs; management of a national narcotic intelligence system in
cooperation with federal, state, local, and foreign officials to collect, analyze, and distribute significant
information; coordination and cooperation with state and local law enforcement officials on drug
enforcement efforts by expanding these investigations beyond local jurisdictions and resources; opera-
tion of all programs associated with drug law enforcement officials of foreign countries; providing for
training, research, scientific, technical, and other support services that enhance the DEA's overall
mission; being a liaison with the United Nations and other organizations on matters relating to
international drug control programs; and coordination and cooperation with other federal, state, and local
agencies and with foreign governments in programs designed to reduce the illicit availability of illegal
abuse-type drugs on the United States market using nonenforcement methods such as crop eradication,
training of foreign officials, and the encouragement of knowledge and commitment against drug abuse.
DEA Special Agents are the backbone of this agency and represent half of its total workforce. A Special
Agent's career within the DEA represents an opportunity for diversified experience, international posts of
duty, and assignments at numerous posts of duty within the United States. The job is not without frustration
or danger. It does provide a unique role in combating a serious national and international problem.
The primary mission of DEA Special Agents is to enforce laws dealing with narcotics and dangerous
drugs by investigating the alleged or suspected criminal activities of major drug traffickers on both the
national and international scene. They concentrate their efforts on locating and eliminating illegal sources
of supply and distribution that quite often involve secret manufacturers of drugs and sources of drugs
diverted from legitimate channels. When a case assignment is received from DEA supervisory personnel,
